Bangladesh-US Tariff Talks: Strategic Shifts as Wheat Deal Signed

The third round of Bangladesh-US tariff talks began in Washington, featuring discussions on increased LNG imports and the purchase of Boeing aircraft. A deal for annual wheat imports from the US was signed, aiming to enhance bilateral trade cooperation. Joint military exercises between the two nations were also announced.

The third round of discussions over the Bangladesh-US tariff concerns officially commenced on Tuesday at 2:00 pm US time, according to a Wednesday statement from Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Press Wing. Preliminary talks started earlier at 12:30 pm and are set to continue until 5:30 pm. The talks will resume Wednesday at 9 am local time.

The Bangladesh delegation, led by Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin and National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, arrived in Washington on Tuesday morning. Participants from various ministries and departments joined the meeting virtually from Dhaka. The US delegation is headed by Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch along with officials from trade and customs sectors.

Bangladesh has inked an agreement to acquire 700,000 tonnes of wheat annually from the US. Future plans include boosting LNG imports and procuring 25 Boeing aircraft. This wheat import MoU was signed by Md Abul Hasanat Humayun Kabir, Director General of the Food Department from Bangladesh, and Joseph K. Sower, Vice President of the US Wheat Association.

Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder noted that the MoU will strengthen trade ties, fostering trust and expanding collaboration areas between the two nations, which will benefit both populations. The interim Bangladesh government stated this effort aims to ensure the country's food security and supply.

The US Embassy in Dhaka announced ongoing joint military exercises with Bangladesh's armed forces to enhance mutual security interests, marking another step towards regional stability. This comes after US President Donald Trump, days before the July 9 deadline, imposed a 35% tariff effective August 1.

(With inputs from agencies.)